The Indian government is preparing a new round of minority stake sales in central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) via the offer for sale (OFS) route to achieve its ₹80,000 crore disinvestment target for fiscal year 2027, according to livemint.com. The move focuses on companies where the government holds over 60% stake, prioritising market-based sales that maintain government control.
The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (Dipam) is currently screening CPSEs to identify candidates suitable for minority stake sales through OFS. This approach signals a renewed preference for market-based stake sales over outright privatisation, aiming to fast-track the disinvestment goal without ceding control of these enterprises. The government’s strategy involves leveraging the stock market to raise funds while retaining majority ownership.
This development comes amid the government’s broader effort to meet ambitious disinvestment targets set for FY27, which include various stake sales in CPSEs. The ₹80,000 crore goal is part of a continuing push to mobilise resources through asset monetisation. Market-based stake sales via OFS have been a preferred method in recent years, balancing fiscal needs with strategic control, and this round aligns with that trend.
The next phase of CPSE stake sales is expected to be announced soon, with Dipam’s screening process nearing completion. The government aims to finalise the list of companies for OFS offerings to ensure timely execution of the ₹80,000 crore disinvestment target for FY27, as reported by livemint.com.